Can you tell me where to start with planning a new kitchen! I'm overwhelmed!

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

I have no idea where to start!

All I know is I want light and practical (north facing room).
I want a big cooker/ oven.

We have lots of cupboards and workspace at the minute. BUT the fridge freezer is freestanding and currently in the dining area of the kitchen diner.
Ideally I'd like to have it in the kitchen area, but to do this I'll have to lose work top/ cupboard space.

Aaaargh! This is making my head hurt!

Where do I start?

Also watching with interest.

Is hiring your own kitchen fitter always going to be cheaper?

There's a kitchen designer on MN who's independent OnePlanOnHouzz

The challenge is finding a good fitter! I don't know anyone's who's had a new kitchen round here.

So (sorry to be nosy and not wishing to de-rail), when you say 'local kitchen company' NameChanger, fo you mean a carpenter who fits kitchens, or a company with a shopfront and staff and all? We had a kitchen done by a carpenter for a very reasonable price a few years ago, but again had to design if ourselves.

The kitchen company I used was a warehouse on a trading estate, with a shop at the front, very near where I live. They built my kitchen to the plan we made. They employed some kitchen fitters direct, but as they were all busy they got another self-employed fitter to do my kitchen. I paid him separately when all the work was done. I was very impressed with his work. I recommend him to everyone I know now.

OP - you could ask around people you know. Look for reviews on the internet maybe? I do think getting a good fitter is key to being happy with the end result.

There's a 'lessons learnt' thread that I read and re-read a lot.
I also had at least 5 designers design it - but I had a too scale drawing on excel with coloured shapes for every cupboard, unit, appliance etc that we played with for months.
It took ages but I love it!

Another vote for trying @OnePlanonHouzz

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/a1554664-The-MN-lessons-learnt-kitchen-thread

thanks Coral and Tabithasgran

Agoddess do you know how to find an independent designer?
Sorry to hijack OP

Not really - but I googled it and came up with one who does home visits rather than just a remote service - here.

Oh I just read up on his site and he says he's the first independent designer in the U.K. - erm no... I went freelance back in 2001!!
Lol !

Right.

Right.

Avoid Magnet kitchens at all costs. I had horrendous after fitting service from them.
Is there an independent kitchen designer you could use ?